Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 304 | James Evans on Innovation, Consolidation, and the Science of Science
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Feb 10, 2025 
James Evans, a leading expert on collective intelligence and knowledge construction, sheds light on the intricate dynamics of scientific innovation. He discusses how successful scientists often struggle to explain their methods and the importance of studying science scientifically. The conversation delves into the role of surprise in experimentation, the bias of funding models favoring older researchers, and how collaboration can impact scientific disagreements. Evans emphasizes that embracing freshness and diversity is crucial for breakthrough innovations.
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Data-Driven Science of Science
- Studying how science works is crucial for understanding scientific progress.
- Data-driven approaches are now possible, offering new insights into scientific practices.
Innovation vs. Bandwagon
- Scientists face a dilemma: choose quirky, innovative research or follow established bandwagons.
- This decision impacts individual careers and overall scientific progress.
Data's Role in Innovation
- Innovation studies require large-scale data to understand deviations from expectations.
- This data reveals surprising findings and helps predict future research directions.